The Legend of Julfel

Come around children, come around. Your Babcia has a story to tell you. Grab a hot cocoa and a snack, pull up a chair, and I will tell you about the legend of Julfel. What’s that? You haven’t heard of it before? Oh, well that is because the story of Julfel of quite old. But if you sit tight and listen, I’d be glad to tell you.

They say that Julfel is the time of year when the last leaves fall, the final harvests are reaped, and the bitter winds of winter begin to blow. When the world becomes blanketed in snow and one year begins to transition into the next, Ded Moran travels across the land, his dire cat, Jora, laden with gifts and armor to distribute among the masses and accompanied by his companions, benevolent and mischievous alike. There is the Snow Maiden and her sister the Ice Maiden, heralds of years new and old. The Snow Maiden, cheerful and clad in white, collects Julfel wishes for Ded Moran—hopes for the year ahead. Together, it is said that the 2 of them can grant wishes; some even say they grant Julfel miracles, but I’m sure that’s just a story, my dears. Oh and her sister. Quite stern and somber, that one, cloaked in black and carrying quills and parchments. They say if you tell her your struggles of the years past, she’ll write them down, relieving you of your burden and freeing you to enter the new year with a clean slate.

There’s also Trys'ndur. Nobody is quite sure how he came to be but some say that the magic of Julfel brings an evergreen tree to life. He walks the land in search of homes decorated thoroughly for Julfel with candles, woven branches, and wreathes. I even hear he leaves some special gifts for those whose decorations he favors. And don’t forget the Julfel Miser. They say he used to be a stingy lord of old who hoarded wealth and drove away all who were close to him. They say his spirit returns as the year turns over, to right the wrongs of his life, he shares his gold and gems with those who leave their coffers outside of their door. Oh but not all of Ded Moran’s companions are affable. The mischievous satyr Eikra the Merrimarker sneaks tricks into Ded Moran’s boxes and bags. They say their pranks are never dangerous and usually inspire laughter but be sure to potentially expect something extra in your box if you accept something from Ded Moran.

Oh goodness, where has the time gone? I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. I very well ought to let you all go to sleep. They say Ded Moran shows up even if you’re resting, so don’t go staying up late trying to catch a glimpse of him. There’s no telling when they’ll show up. Why it could be any day now.